Just a quick post to share that applications are open to become a Zensah athlete! If you know them only for compression sleeves, go take a peek at their extensive line of gear. They've got some super fun socks, tights, shorts, tops, they do custom gear, and ladies--lots of "under" gear, including a "Marathoner" sports bra. (I've still got to earn that one. ;-)Find the Zensah ambassador application here: https://www.zensah.com/pages/athletes

I've made this with and without the cheese now, and I admit I prefer it with dairy!

Rice Chex turn out to make a great gluten-free substitution for panko bread crumbs.

This wouldn't make the strictest of paleo diets, but I figure anything with mostly veggies and protein with no added sugar is on the right track. Granted, the Rice Chex have added sugar, so I'm open to suggestions on another gluten-free substitute there...

Drain the zucchini. I'm not patient enough to salt it, wait and wring it out in cheesecloth as recommended. When I'm using frozen zucchini, I allow it to thaw in the baggie, and drain / lightly wring it in the bag. If doesn't need to be "dry" to cook well; just add a little cooking time if need be.

Add all ingredients and stir until evenly combined.

Scoop into muffin tins--about 24 minis or 12 regular.

Bake at 400F for 15-18 minutes, until golden.

Serving suggestions:

Supposedly good with marinara (Costco has a great sugar-free option) or your favorite dipping sauce.

I just eat them straight. :-)

Leftovers:

Store in the fridge. Reheat at 350F for 8-10 minutes or pop in a toaster oven until warm.

Credits: Adapted from a recipe by Melinda Novak, who credits Curious County Cook.

Here's the latest news from tri Team LC -- several new ambassador positions are opening up! Join the crew!

Hollywood, FL (January 11, 2018) – After two successful years since the launch of Team LC, four-time Triathlon World Champion, Leanda Cave, is looking to add even more women to her ambassadorship program, increasing the number of ambassadors from 18 to 30 this year.

Team LC is a mentor program created to empower women through triathlon by giving an opportunity to women of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds to become an influencer of living a healthy lifestyle in each of their respective communities. Its ultimate goal is to encourage women to participate in triathlons as well as build and grow a strong community of physically active women.

The program is built on the core beliefs and values which were instilled to Leanda throughout her 20-year career, as well as on who she is today, because of the sport of triathlon.“Team LC is going from strength to strength since it began in 2016,” expressed Leanda. “Our ambassadors are spreading the word about empowering women through triathlon at races and events held all over the country. It’s so encouraging to see our Team LC ladies not only supporting each other, but also women in their communities. We are very proud to share our experiences and inspire other women to take up triathlon as a sport so they too can enrich their lives.”

“Team LC is very grateful for the help of our amazing sponsors, supporters and the Leanda Cave Foundation that enable us to expand from 18 to 30 women in 2018. It’s very exciting to help give more women this unique opportunity.”

In addition to increasing its number of ambassadors, Team LC will participate in over 100 triathlons in 2018.

Female triathletes from all walks of life comprise the team and each member contributes by sharing her unique gifts and leadership skills. The ambassadors aim to make the sport a better place now and for future generations of female triathletes.

The team is looking to recruit women full of energy and motivation who will have a positive influence on others. These ambassadors will encourage other women to participate in triathlons, express leadership in the business world, and promote living a healthy lifestyle in their community.

Team LC will provide ambassadors with financial means, product endorsements, mentoring, coaching, camps and a supportive community that will enable the athletes to realize their personal and professional goals. Funds for the team will come from various partners and the Leanda Cave Foundation.

If you are interested in applying to become one of the 30 Team LC ambassadors, simply fill out the tri Team LC Ambassador Application. You have until January 31, 2018 to apply. Ambassadors will be chosen by February 16, 2018.

As members of Team LC, each triathlete ambassador receives the following:

Racing team kit and one training kit

Bike helmet

Wetsuit

Pair of running shoes

Hat/visor

Pair of goggles

Water bottle and rehydrating system

Five hundred dollars credit for entry fees to participate in triathlons within your regions (Must be approved by TEAM LC)

A Leanda Cave training program

Additional discounts from our partners

In order to take advantage of those great deals, team athletes will be expected to wear their team kit attire while racing and training. Triathletes will also be asked to post frequently on our team social media platforms and their own social media platforms highlighting their training and racing photos, mini race recaps, and endurance community involvement.

Furthermore, triathletes will be encouraged to take advantage of the resources the team has to offer by reaching out to fellow athletes in similar geographic areas or members attending the same races as them.​There is another way for you to be part of the team, become a Team LC Team Mate. The name is a play on the Australian term for friend and allows you to stay connected to Team LC. In 2018, Team Mates will be given preferential consideration during the selection of our new ambassadors.

When I was a newbie triathlete and my friend Barb invited me to try a bike workout in Karen's basement, I didn't know who Karen was or that I was about to embark on quite an adventure!

Soon after starting those basement sessions, I tagged along with the crew to Ironman Louisville. We chased Barb & Tammy & friends all over Louisville in sweltering heat—I was sweaty and tired just spectating—but I was moved to be part of the action. As we were packing up to head home I was already peppering Karen with questions about bikes—and she let me know in her trademark straightforward way that a new bike wasn’t what I needed right then.

Fast forward a few years, and it felt like graduation when Karen and Lew took me to get a new bike. I’m happy she knew I finished my first 70.3 in Muncie, and I felt like a kid at Christmas when she offered to help me with some skills I needed to tackle the next distance. Her tragic accident happened right as we were getting started. (And only then did I begin to grasp how many other women she inspired and supported in athletic endeavors—she was so quiet about all of it, including her own accomplishments, that you’d just never know.)

I’ve continued training and racing, and it’s finally time to pick a goal race. Louisville (2019) seems fitting. And it seems even more fitting to make it a fundraiser for Karen’s Trail. My goal is to get a sponsor for every mile of 140.6 miles at $100 per mile.

Please join me on this Ironman journey and in the vision of Karen’s family to complete 70 miles of connected trail in Washtenaw County within 5 years. It’s a beautiful legacy and I’m excited to be a part of it.

To Your Health!This is the best deal of the year you'll see from InsideTracker on their Ultimate package, and it's a whopper! Go check out Inside Tracker sale now, and come back later to find out more about why I'm such a fan. (Through November 17 11:59 PT)

BibRave Partner Race DealsThe BibRave.com running and reviewing team has a couple of special holiday deals for you:

One America 500 Festival Mini-Marathon: Register on Cyber Monday for $5 off AND receive a free holiday ornament that's a miniature version of the 2018 #IndyMini official race medal--which include Meb's lucky signature on the flip side! Ornaments will be shipped mid-December and are expected to arrive before December 24 in a commemorative gift box. Code: "BRP2018". (Through Nov 27 11:59 ET.)

BibRave Partner Gear DealsHaving fallen in love with some of the BibRave brands over the course of the year, here are a few deals I've run across from my favorites:

Luvo Meals: Save time during holiday shopping with code "BIBCHAT" for 10% off your purchase.

Knuckle Lights: Stay safe during early and late runs in the dark hours of fall and winter and save 15% with code "BIBRAVEPRO".

Stunt Puppy Collars and Leashes: 50% of all Stunt Puppy sales will go to The Seeing Eye, a philanthropic organization that breeds, raises and trains dogs to become Seeing Eye dogs to help the visually impaired.

All Things TechIf you're looking for a running watch or any other imaginable piece of gear, the definitive source for all such sales is the DC Rainmaker site. If you like gadgets, become a member. It'll be worth it!​​

In some triathlon Facebook groups I've seen the question of how to become an Ambassador pop up every once in awhile, often after the disappointing experience of not making a team. I've been there. I've also persisted and been lucky enough to join some amazing teams—teams that are looking to grow! So if you're looking to join a team as an Ambassador, here are a few routes to consider from my personal experience.

"Newer" Ambassador ProgramsWhile long-established ambassador programs can be uber competitive, newer programs that fit your interests may be just the ticket. Here are a couple of programs I love:

BibRaveBibRave is a running team that reviews races and tests cool running gear. You don't have to be "fast" to be on the BibRave team—just enthusiastic about running fun races and trying new products! BibRave sponsors cover entry fees to races you run for the team, and product samples are yours to keep (all with appropriate disclosures, of course.). As a bit of a gear geek and a social media aficionado, you can imagine the appeal for me here. ;-) The brands you get to work with at BibRave are am-az-ing, as are your team mates. It's a super supportive crew, and one that's just plain fun to be part of! Apply to be a BibRave Pro.

Tri Team LCTeam LC is an all-female triathlon team, founded by pro triathlete Leanda Cave. Leanda is rock star in the triathlon world as a four-time world champion and the first female athlete to claim the title of 70.3 and Ironman World Championships in the same year! Also a champion for other women in the sport, Leanda founded Team LC to empower women through triathlon, which strikes a deep chord with me. I also had the good fortune of working with the whole amazing management team at a fabulous triathlon camp earlier this year, and simply couldn't resist jumping in as a Team LC Team Mate—which anyone can do! Team LC also hosts an Ambassador program for a lucky few.​Interest-Based Ambassador ProgramsAnother route route to becoming an Ambassador is finding creative ways to work with the brands you love. Here are a couple of samples from my experience:

InsideTrackerWhile it sounds a bit audacious to say a blood testing service changed my life, I believe it's true. Understanding there was a reason that I was atypically tired, and that there was something I could DO about it was a minor miracle. Having data to inform my meal selections has helped me continuously improve my food choices. Do I still eat ice cream? Oh yeah. But I sure eat a lot of other stuff I never used to touch, too. Food is fuel for me now, and something I approach entirely differently than I did when I just ate "something" to keep my stomach from growling in meetings.

Even better, my kids are starting to follow suit—reading labels and exploring new foods that InsideTracker suggests for them. Beyond that, when I'm helping fellow athletes learn about InsideTracker, I'm helping them optimize the most fundamental part of their performance—the engine that drives everything. :-)

InsideTracker does not have a formal Ambassador program, so I list it here as an example of how your love for a particular product or brand might lead to unique opportunities. What drives you? Look there for potential Ambassador opportunities.

Epic RacesIf you've read my race reviews or looked at my race calendar, you'll notice a ridiculous percentage of the races I'm in are Epic Races, and that's for good reason. They're truly Epic! Epic Races are close to my home here in Southeast Michigan, they always have great swag, they give back to the community with every race, they do tremendous work on recycling for each race, etc. etc.—they really pay attention to all the details. As a runner, active community member and business owner, that "complete package" is something I truly appreciate.

On an even deeper personal note, the thing I love most about Epic Races is that they are SO much fun my whole family has gotten involved! As with InsideTracker, my love for Epic Races and how they've become part of new family traditions has led to a unique partnership opportunity. Perhaps a similar opportunity is waiting for you. Is there a race or race series you love? Reach out! You never know what might happen!

Epic Races also does not (yet) have a formal Ambassador program. As their Chief Ambassador in 2018 I'll be looking for a few good men and women who are equally enthusiastic about showcasing the natural beauty of Southeast Michigan through community events that leave every participant feeling like a champion—drop me a line to learn more!

Disclaimer: I received a package of Smell Well as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

It’s going to sound weird to be excited about shoe fresheners, so we might as well get it out of the way right now—these Smell Well pouches are amazing!

My running shoes get replaced so often they don’t really get stinky, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to test these Smell Well packets until one of my fellow BibRave crew mentioned using them with other gear. Aha! Low and behold, I had a running belt sitting around that was still a little funky even after a wash (gotta love summer running), so I figured it couldn't hurt to try…

I just set the belt on top of the Smell Well pouches for day or so, and viola! back to new. I still don’t understand exactly how these freshening pouches work, but that’s ok—a little magic is just fine once in awhile. :-) And seriously, once you figure out how well these things work, you could buy them by the case to have a pair handy for everything:

The summer camp laundry bag

The boys soccer shoes

The teenage boys car

The teenage boys laundry hamper

Everybody’s gym bag

Hiking boots

Camping bags and backpacks

The post-race travel bag loaded up with sweaty gear

The list goes on...

I don’t know why they don’t sell these Smell Well magic pouches in every major sports store—they’re one of those foundation pieces that would be useful in every gear bag. Though July, use the cade “BIBPRO10” on Amazon - http://amzn.to/2rKVRq7 to buy 2 and get 3!

Disclaimer: I received Luvo Meals as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

If I had to pick the one thing I like most about Luvo microwaveable meals as an athlete, it would be that many of them contain close to 20 grams of protein. That makes it easy to hit the mark from the nutrition / paleo challenge I did earlier this year, which suggested 20 grams of protein per meal. It turns out including 20 grams of protein in each meal is not easy (a full can of tuna isn’t even 20 grams!), and Luvo meals made it very easy.

As an entrepreneur, the one thing I like most about Luvo entrees is the healthy convenience option. When you’re running on all cylinders, there’s not always a chance to do the meal prep you’d like for lunch, or to run out and grab a healthy meal. (Although I admire the Pinterest devotees who somehow manage to package up beautiful meals a week in advance, I have not yet reached that achievement level. ;-) However, with a stash of Luvo frozen meals on hand, I know I’m covered with a healthy meal choice whatever the day throws out at me.

As far as which meal is my favorite goes, the easy answer is that you can't go wrong. I liked them all. The only ones I wouldn’t pick up again were the mildly spicy ones, as I’ve never learned to eat anything even remotely hot or "packs some heat" in Luvo labeling. Even those meals (like the Tandoori-Inspired Spiced Chicken were still tasty with the addition of some starches like sweet potato to cut the "heat". I use heat in quotes on purpose, because I know most of my friends would laugh at the idea that those meals were spicy—it’s only the truly midwestern palette that would notice any heat.(!)

The meal I’d be most likely to keep on hand would be the Chicken in BBQ sauce with white chicken, millet grits & collard greens. It's got 20g protein, 2/3 c. veggies, and a decent list of ingredients, though I wish they'd left out the added sugar. For my vegetarian friends, I thought the roasted vegetable lasagna was amazing. I didn't expect much from steamed lasagna, so it was the most surprisingly good meal of the bunch. With 12g of protein. 1 cup of veggies, low saturated fat, this was a yummy, healthy meal.

Still on my list to try: Luvo bowls, and cauliflower mac & cheese. One sounds healthier than the other ;-), though I've heard rave reviews about both!

Quick Tip: Finding Luvo meals can be a bit of a trick, as they’re not stocked in every store yet. That said, I was able to find a nice selection locally. If you have trouble finding Luvo in your hometown, the good news is it can now be ordered online—and there's an offer running now for FREE shipping!

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Adidas Ultra Boost X shoes as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

As all runners in training know, logging more miles means going through more shoes, so I was more than happy to test these new shoes from Adidas! I was a little skeptical about going back to a shoe with a higher drop (10 mm), but figured it was worth a try as the promised "ultra-cushioned boost" and "extra ordinary grip in wet and dry conditions" sounded good to me after having run in minimalist shoes that didn't have much grip in the rain. (And I seem to have a talent for picking road races in the rain...)

Unboxing the shoes was a surprise. I expected "regular" running shoes, but the Adidas UltraBOOST X is clearly different "out of the box". It's hard to describe if you've never seen a shoe like this before, but the fabric of the shoe is more like a sock. It wraps around your foot, leaving a gap between your arch and the footbed—you can literally see through the arch of the shoe. You can catch a glimpse of it in this short running shoe unboxing video in my Instagram feed.

On feel: These are quite a bit different than any other shoe I've tried! Again I find it hard to describe, but it feels a bit like my heel is in a cup. Not good or bad—just different. The shoe also gives me the sensation of falling forward when walking, though not so much when running. I imagine it's nudging me toward better running form and that beautiful forward lean that all of the fast kids have, and that could only be a good thing, right? ;-)

​On fit: Another unique thing about these shoes is the fit of the "sock" around your foot. It really is like a sock as the laces only adjust the fit around your arch and the sock hugs around your foot vs. the laces making the closure. A heads on up socks: to comfortably wear these shoes I needed to get new socks. Typical low-cut athletic socks hit below the "sock" of the shoe, causing uncomfortable rubbing on the heel. I picked up some low crew cut Balega socks at the local running store, and they're perfect—just high enough to provide protection from the seam on the heel of the shoe.

On sizing: It seems a little tricky to me on these shoes, but I bet part of that is due to the way my very narrow feet fit in a shoe like this which is meant to hug the foot. The initial pair I ordered was my typical running shoe size (8), but I wound up going a 1/2 size down and still debate whether I could possibly go down one more half size. TIP: We worked with Dick's Sporting Goods on this promotion, and they do offer free shipping both ways on shoes. If you're on the fence, you might just want to order a couple pairs and keep the one that works. (Dick's also offers some pretty good coupons and discounts if you sign up for their points program—I've long been a member with 2 kids in soccer...)

Overall, while the very different feel of this shoe has been slow to grow on me, I like them more every time I wear them. The cushioned ride is a welcome relief, and feels like I'm easing the stress of all of the training miles when I'm wearing them. Thumbs up!

I'm trying out Smell Well as part of being a BibRave Pro, and they sent along an extra pair to share. :-) You're welcome to enter once a day to increase your odds of winning, and you may want to sign up for blog updates, as I'm envisioning more of the giveaways happening in the not-so-distant future...